The 29th UN Climate Change Conference opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 11, focusing on transitioning away from fossil fuels despite the host’s heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues. Azerbaijan’s economy is significantly tied to hydrocarbon extraction, and while the conference aims to secure funding for developing nations, concerns grow over the presence of oil lobbyists potentially hindering progress. Critics highlight this marks the third consecutive COP hosted by a hydrocarbon-producing nation, raising questions about the effectiveness of negotiations. The conference will aim to translate prior commitments to phase out fossil fuels into actionable plans.